LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities at the free-throw line, the Memphis women’s basketball team edged Arkansas-Little Rock 64-62 on Friday night at Jack Stephens Center.

The Tigers, who improved to 1-1, survived a late rally by the Trojans, who also moved to 1-1, despite connecting on just 6 of 16 free throws. Arkansas-Little Rock was not much better, making 16 of 25 from the charity stripe in a game where every point proved critical.

Memphis guard Chaé Harris delivered the decisive blow, sinking a 3-pointer with 13 seconds remaining to break a 62-62 tie. The Trojans had two final chances to tie or win, but a Jordan Holman jump shot missed and Alaina Payne’s offensive rebound as time expired was not enough for a put-back attempt.

The contest was a tale of contrasting halves and quarters. Arkansas-Little Rock started strong, taking a 35-29 lead into halftime after outscoring Memphis 17-9 in the first quarter and 18-20 in the second. The Trojans extended their lead in the third quarter, winning the period 20-17 to carry a 55-46 advantage into the final frame.

However, the fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Tigers’ defense. Memphis held Arkansas-Little Rock to just seven points on 22 of 57 shooting from the floor for the game. The Trojans’ offensive rating of 76.7 on 81 possessions underscored their struggles, while Memphis posted an 85.8 offensive rating on 75 possessions.

The Tigers’ comeback was fueled by defensive pressure, forcing 20 Trojan turnovers which they converted into 20 points. Memphis also dominated inside, outscoring Little Rock 40-32 in the paint and outrebounding them on the offensive glass, 14 to 8. The Tigers also recorded 11 steals and 8 blocks.

Daejah Richmond led Memphis with 16 points, while adding 3 assists and 2 blocks. Chaé Harris finished with 13 points, including the game-winning three. Paris Gaines provided a strong interior presence with 10 points and 2 blocks.

For Arkansas-Little Rock, Jordan Holman was the leading scorer with 17 points. Alaina Payne facilitated the offense with 12 points and 4 assists, and Mya Cotto added 10 points.

The game was a marked turnaround for Memphis, which was coming off a season-opening 69-64 loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Arkansas-Little Rock entered the contest with momentum after a dominant 99-41 victory over Central Baptist.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Arkansas-Little Rock was projected as the favorite with a 56.90 percent probability to win. The announced attendance was 632.

Memphis next travels to face South Alabama on Tuesday. Arkansas-Little Rock’s next game is a road contest at Arkansas State on Nov. 15.